Meaning
退缩 means to pull back or retreat from a situation, usually due to fear, hesitation, or lack of courage. It carries a negative connotation of cowardice or weakness, implying someone is backing down when they should stand firm. The word combines the ideas of retreating (退) and contracting or shrinking (缩).
Usage
This verb is commonly used in contexts involving challenges, difficulties, or confrontations where someone fails to face a situation bravely. It often appears with negation (不退缩, 没有退缩) to express determination and courage. The word has a somewhat literary or formal tone and is frequently used in motivational or critical contexts.
Examples
- 01面对挑战，我们不能退缩。, .When facing challenges, we cannot shrink back.
- 02他在困难面前从不退缩。.He never retreats in the face of difficulties.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不退缩not to shrink back, to stand firm
- 退缩不前to shrink back and not advance
- 面对困难不退缩to not retreat when facing difficulties
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 退 (retreat) with 缩 (shrink), creating a vivid image of someone physically pulling back or contracting in the face of difficulty.